God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.
Therefore will not we fear, though the earth be removed, and though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea;
Though the waters thereof roar and be troubled, though the mountains shake with the swelling thereof. Selah.
There is a river, the streams whereof shall make glad the city of God, the holy place of the tabernacles of the most High.
God is in the midst of her; she shall not be moved: God shall help her, and that right early.
The heathen raged, the kingdoms were moved: he uttered his voice, the earth melted.
The Lord of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our refuge. Selah.
Come, behold the works of the Lord, what desolations he hath made in the earth.
He maketh wars to cease unto the end of the earth; he breaketh the bow, and cutteth the spear in sunder; he burneth the chariot in the fire.
Be still, and know that I am God: I will be exalted among the heathen, I will be exalted in the earth.
The Lord of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our refuge. Selah.
Psalms 46 is a powerful hymn of trust and assurance in God's unwavering presence and protection, especially in times of turmoil. Embedded within the second division of Psalms (42-72), it resonates with themes of divine strength and established presence, inviting believers to respond with unwavering trust and heartfelt thanksgiving. While the specific historical context remains debated, the psalm's message transcends any single event, offering timeless comfort and hope.
Historical Context and Authorship
Scholars propose that Psalms 46 may have originated during a period of national crisis, possibly inspired by God's deliverance of Jerusalem from the Assyrian threat during King Hezekiah's reign (2 Kings 18-19; 2 Chronicles 32; Isaiah 36-37). The reference to a secure water supply could allude to Hezekiah's engineering feat of creating a siege-proof water source for the city. Some even speculate that Hezekiah himself may have penned this psalm, along with Psalms 47 and 48, not necessarily as a Son of Korah, but for the Sons of Korah to use in worship. Regardless of the precise historical backdrop, the psalm's core message of God's power and protection remains universally relevant.
God: Our Refuge in Times of Trouble (Psalms 46:1-3)
The psalm opens with a bold declaration: "God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble" (Psalms 46:1). The Hebrew word for "refuge" carries the connotation of a "shelter," a safe haven from danger. He isn't distant or difficult to find; He has proven His ability to see and care for His people and is near and accessible. The phrase "very present help" emphasizes God's immediate availability and proven ability to aid His people in times of need. This establishes a foundation of trust, encouraging believers to approach God with confidence rather than fear. Even when facing overwhelming circumstances, akin to being "in a tight spot," we can find solace in God's unwavering presence.
The psalmist vividly portrays catastrophic scenarios – earthquakes causing mountains to crumble and tsunamis to rage (Psalms 46:2-3). Yet, even amidst such chaos, the believer can remain unafraid, anchored in the knowledge that God is near and ready to help. This unwavering trust stems from the recognition that even the most terrifying natural disasters pale in comparison to the power of an omnipotent God.
The City of God and the River of Peace (Psalms 46:4-7)
In contrast to the tumultuous world, the psalm introduces a vision of tranquility and divine presence: "There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God, the holy place where the Most High dwells" (Psalms 46:4). This imagery evokes a sense of constant refreshment and spiritual nourishment for those who trust in God (Revelation 22:1-2). Some interpret this as a future reality when the Messiah reigns in Jerusalem, where God will be intimately accessible to His people.
The "she" in verse 5 refers to the city of Jerusalem, a place where God dwells and offers His unwavering support. "God is in the midst of her; she shall not be moved; God will help her when morning dawns" (Psalms 46:5). This verse assures us of God's unwavering protection and provision for His people. No enemy, no matter how strong, can ultimately prevail against those who dwell in the presence of the "Lord of hosts," the stronghold of His people (Psalms 46:6-7).
Cease Striving and Know That I Am God (Psalms 46:8-11)
The psalm shifts from descriptive pronouncements to an invitation to behold God's power and sovereignty: "Come, behold the works of the Lord, how he has brought desolations on the earth" (Psalms 46:8). God is the one who brings an end to war, breaking the bow, shattering the spear, and burning the chariots with fire (Psalms 46:9).
The call to "Be still, and know that I am God" (Psalms 46:10) is a powerful reminder to cease striving and to recognize God's ultimate authority. It is an invitation to release anxiety and doubt, resting in the truth of who God is. While this verse is sometimes taken out of context to promote silence or contemplation, its primary message is to relinquish our own efforts and rely on God's strength (Matthew 11:30; Hebrews 4:9-10).
The psalm concludes with a reaffirmation of God's unwavering presence and power: "The Lord of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress" (Psalms 46:11). This refrain, echoing verse 7, reinforces the psalm's central theme of God as our ultimate refuge and strength.
Musical Notes
The inclusion of the term Selah within the psalm likely indicates a musical pause or interlude, inviting reflection on the preceding verses. The reference to Alamoth (1 Chronicles 15:20) may denote a specific style of musical performance.
Psalms 46 is a timeless testament to God's unwavering presence, protection, and power. It is a call to trust in Him amidst life's storms, to find refuge in His presence, and to cease striving, knowing that He is God. It reminds us that the Lord is with His people, our stronghold – our security and strength.
God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.
Therefore will not we fear, though the earth be removed, and though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea;
Though the waters thereof roar and be troubled, though the mountains shake with the swelling thereof. Selah.
There is a river, the streams whereof shall make glad the city of God, the holy place of the tabernacles of the most High.
God is in the midst of her; she shall not be moved: God shall help her, and that right early.
The heathen raged, the kingdoms were moved: he uttered his voice, the earth melted.
The Lord of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our refuge. Selah.
Come, behold the works of the Lord, what desolations he hath made in the earth.
He maketh wars to cease unto the end of the earth; he breaketh the bow, and cutteth the spear in sunder; he burneth the chariot in the fire.
Be still, and know that I am God: I will be exalted among the heathen, I will be exalted in the earth.
The Lord of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our refuge. Selah.
Psalms 46 is a powerful hymn of trust and assurance in God's unwavering presence and protection, especially in times of turmoil. Embedded within the second division of Psalms (42-72), it resonates with themes of divine strength and established presence, inviting believers to respond with unwavering trust and heartfelt thanksgiving. While the specific historical context remains debated, the psalm's message transcends any single event, offering timeless comfort and hope.
Historical Context and Authorship
Scholars propose that Psalms 46 may have originated during a period of national crisis, possibly inspired by God's deliverance of Jerusalem from the Assyrian threat during King Hezekiah's reign (2 Kings 18-19; 2 Chronicles 32; Isaiah 36-37). The reference to a secure water supply could allude to Hezekiah's engineering feat of creating a siege-proof water source for the city. Some even speculate that Hezekiah himself may have penned this psalm, along with Psalms 47 and 48, not necessarily as a Son of Korah, but for the Sons of Korah to use in worship. Regardless of the precise historical backdrop, the psalm's core message of God's power and protection remains universally relevant.
God: Our Refuge in Times of Trouble (Psalms 46:1-3)
The psalm opens with a bold declaration: "God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble" (Psalms 46:1). The Hebrew word for "refuge" carries the connotation of a "shelter," a safe haven from danger. He isn't distant or difficult to find; He has proven His ability to see and care for His people and is near and accessible. The phrase "very present help" emphasizes God's immediate availability and proven ability to aid His people in times of need. This establishes a foundation of trust, encouraging believers to approach God with confidence rather than fear. Even when facing overwhelming circumstances, akin to being "in a tight spot," we can find solace in God's unwavering presence.
The psalmist vividly portrays catastrophic scenarios – earthquakes causing mountains to crumble and tsunamis to rage (Psalms 46:2-3). Yet, even amidst such chaos, the believer can remain unafraid, anchored in the knowledge that God is near and ready to help. This unwavering trust stems from the recognition that even the most terrifying natural disasters pale in comparison to the power of an omnipotent God.
The City of God and the River of Peace (Psalms 46:4-7)
In contrast to the tumultuous world, the psalm introduces a vision of tranquility and divine presence: "There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God, the holy place where the Most High dwells" (Psalms 46:4). This imagery evokes a sense of constant refreshment and spiritual nourishment for those who trust in God (Revelation 22:1-2). Some interpret this as a future reality when the Messiah reigns in Jerusalem, where God will be intimately accessible to His people.
The "she" in verse 5 refers to the city of Jerusalem, a place where God dwells and offers His unwavering support. "God is in the midst of her; she shall not be moved; God will help her when morning dawns" (Psalms 46:5). This verse assures us of God's unwavering protection and provision for His people. No enemy, no matter how strong, can ultimately prevail against those who dwell in the presence of the "Lord of hosts," the stronghold of His people (Psalms 46:6-7).
Cease Striving and Know That I Am God (Psalms 46:8-11)
The psalm shifts from descriptive pronouncements to an invitation to behold God's power and sovereignty: "Come, behold the works of the Lord, how he has brought desolations on the earth" (Psalms 46:8). God is the one who brings an end to war, breaking the bow, shattering the spear, and burning the chariots with fire (Psalms 46:9).
The call to "Be still, and know that I am God" (Psalms 46:10) is a powerful reminder to cease striving and to recognize God's ultimate authority. It is an invitation to release anxiety and doubt, resting in the truth of who God is. While this verse is sometimes taken out of context to promote silence or contemplation, its primary message is to relinquish our own efforts and rely on God's strength (Matthew 11:30; Hebrews 4:9-10).
The psalm concludes with a reaffirmation of God's unwavering presence and power: "The Lord of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress" (Psalms 46:11). This refrain, echoing verse 7, reinforces the psalm's central theme of God as our ultimate refuge and strength.
Musical Notes
The inclusion of the term Selah within the psalm likely indicates a musical pause or interlude, inviting reflection on the preceding verses. The reference to Alamoth (1 Chronicles 15:20) may denote a specific style of musical performance.
Psalms 46 is a timeless testament to God's unwavering presence, protection, and power. It is a call to trust in Him amidst life's storms, to find refuge in His presence, and to cease striving, knowing that He is God. It reminds us that the Lord is with His people, our stronghold – our security and strength.